Category / Metric	Cicero	Philadelphia
Financial Overview
Median Income	$74,353	$60,302
Unemployment Rate	4.4%	4.7%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$295,000	$270,375
Price per SqFt	$195	$204
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,231	$1,451
Housing Cost Index	110.7	117.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	103.3	100.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	425.6	726.5
Bachelor's Degree+	8%	35.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	33	40

Philadelphia vs. Cicero: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

Choosing between Philadelphia and Cicero isn't just picking a dot on a map—it's choosing a lifestyle. One is a gritty, historic East Coast beast with a complex soul; the other is a tight-knit, suburban Chicago enclave with a fierce sense of community. As your relocation expert, I’m here to cut through the noise and tell you which city truly delivers the goods.

Let’s dive in.

The Vibe Check: Big City Soul vs. Suburban Heartbeat

Philadelphia is the heavyweight champion of the Mid-Atlantic. It’s the city of brotherly love (and sisterly affection), where history bleeds into every brick. You’ll find world-class museums, a legendary food scene (cheesesteaks are just the tip of the iceberg), and a gritty, authentic energy that you can’t fake. Philly is for the person who craves energy, diversity, and the feeling of being at the center of it all. It’s a city of neighborhoods, each with its own personality, from the rowhouses of South Philly to the historic charm of Old City. If you want a city that feels lived-in, real, and utterly unpretentious, Philly is your spot.

Cicero, on the other hand, is a world of its own. Located just west of downtown Chicago, it’s a town of 81,006 people that operates with the pride of a big city but the feel of a close-knit community. It’s famously known as the town that once housed Al Capone, but today it’s a bastion of family-friendly living, strong schools, and a tight-knit community feel. Cicero is for the person who wants the amenities of a major metro (hello, Chicago!) without the chaos. It’s a place where you know your neighbors, the parades are a big deal, and life moves at a slightly more manageable pace. If you’re looking for a suburban anchor with urban access, Cicero is calling your name.

Verdict: If you crave the pulse of a major metropolis, Philadelphia. If you want a suburban community with big-city access, Cicero.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Actually Buy You?

Let's talk cold, hard cash. We’re not just looking at the sticker price; we’re looking at purchasing power—how far does your paycheck stretch?

The Cost of Living Breakdown

Category	Philadelphia	Cicero	The Winner
Median Home Price	$270,375	$295,000	Philadelphia
Rent (1BR)	$1,451	$1,231	Cicero
Utilities (Est.)	$160	$150	Slight Edge: Cicero
Groceries (Index)	104.5	102.1	Slight Edge: Cicero

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
The median income tells a story. In Philadelphia, the median income is $60,302. In Cicero, it’s a higher $74,353. But wait—doesn’t a higher income automatically mean more money in your pocket? Not so fast.

Let’s run a scenario. You earn $100,000 in each place.

In Philadelphia: Your take-home pay will be roughly $78,000 (assuming federal and state taxes; PA has a flat 3.07% income tax). With a median home price of $270,375, your housing costs are lower. Your money goes further in the housing market, but the city’s overall cost of living (groceries, transportation) is slightly higher.
In Cicero: Your take-home pay will be roughly $80,000 (Illinois has a flat 4.95% income tax, but property taxes are a different beast—more on that later). With a higher median home price of $295,000, your dollar gets less house. However, the lower rent and slightly cheaper utilities and groceries can offset that.

The Tax Reality Check:

Philadelphia (PA): 3.07% flat state income tax. BUT, Philadelphia has a 3.7875% local wage tax for residents, which is a major hit. Your total income tax burden is significant.
Cicero (IL): 4.95% flat state income tax, no local wage tax. However, Illinois has some of the highest property taxes in the nation. Cicero's effective property tax rate is around 2.1%, which can add $6,000+ annually to the cost of owning a $295,000 home.

Insight: The "sticker shock" in Cicero isn't the home price—it's the property tax bill. Philadelphia's "sticker shock" is the triple-whammy of state, city, and wage taxes.

Verdict: For pure housing affordability, Philadelphia wins. For overall cost of living on a median income, Cicero might feel tighter due to property taxes. It’s a trade-off: lower upfront housing costs in Philly vs. higher ongoing taxes in Cicero.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Philadelphia:
The market is hot but accessible. A median home price of $270,375 is a breath of fresh air compared to national averages. You can still find a solid rowhouse for under $300k in many neighborhoods. It’s a seller’s market in desirable areas, but the sheer volume of housing stock means there’s often something for every budget. Renting is competitive, with a $1,451 average for a 1BR. The "Housing Index" of 117.8 indicates it's more expensive than the national average, but the income-to-home-price ratio is favorable.

Cicero:
With a median home price of $295,000, Cicero is slightly more expensive than Philly on paper. The market is also a seller’s market, with strong demand from Chicago commuters. The lower rent of $1,231 is a huge draw for renters, offering a more affordable entry point. The "Housing Index" of 110.7 is slightly lower than Philly's, reflecting the lower rent and slightly lower median home price, but don't forget that property taxes will eat into your monthly budget if you buy.

Verdict: For renters, Cicero offers better bang for your buck. For buyers, Philadelphia presents a more attractive entry price, though you must budget carefully for the high city wage tax.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

Philadelphia: The city is walkable, and public transit (SEPTA) is extensive but aging. Traffic can be brutal, especially on I-95 and the Schuylkill Expressway. A 30-minute commute can easily become 60+ minutes during rush hour.
Cicero: This is a commuter town. You're 10-15 miles from downtown Chicago, which means a 30-60 minute train or car ride each way. Traffic on I-55 and I-290 can be congested, but the commute is predictable. The trade-off is space and quieter streets at home.

Weather

Philadelphia: The average temperature is 52.0°F, but that's misleading. Summers are hot and humid (90°F+), winters are cold with snow (30-40°F). It's a true four-season city with all the trappings.
Cicero: The average is a chilly 21.0°F. This is a Chicago suburb, so you get the full force of the Great Lakes: brutal, windy winters with heavy snow and lake-effect cold, and surprisingly pleasant summers. If you hate the cold, Cicero is a dealbreaker.

Crime & Safety

This is a critical, honest look at the data.

Philadelphia: Violent crime rate is 726.5 per 100,000. This is high. Like any major city, safety varies drastically by neighborhood. Areas like Center City are generally safe, while others have significant challenges.
Cicero: Violent crime rate is 425.6 per 100,000. This is also high, but notably lower than Philadelphia's. Cicero is a dense, working-class suburb, and crime is a concern, but statistically, it's less dangerous than Philadelphia.

Verdict: For safety, Cicero has a statistical edge, though both have serious issues to consider. For commute, it depends on your tolerance: Philly's chaotic in-city driving vs. Cicero's long suburban commute.

The Verdict: Who Wins Your Heart?

After crunching the numbers and feeling the vibes, here’s the final showdown.

Winner for Families: Cicero

Why: The combination of lower violent crime (425.6 vs. 726.5), strong community focus, and the allure of top-tier Chicago suburban schools often wins out. The lower rent for those not ready to buy is a huge plus. The trade-off is the brutal winter and the high property taxes, but for many families, the safer, tight-knit environment is worth it.

Winner for Singles/Young Pros: Philadelphia

Why: The energy, culture, and nightlife are unmatched. The lower median home price ($270,375) makes homeownership a tangible goal much sooner. The city's walkability and dense social scene are perfect for building a network. You can live in Philly proper and skip the brutal commute, which is a lifestyle upgrade.

Winner for Retirees: It's a Tie (But for Different Reasons)

Why: This is a tough call.

Philadelphia wins on culture and walkability. If you want museums, theater, and a vibrant city life without driving, Philly is fantastic. The cost of living is manageable on a fixed income, but the city wage tax is a permanent burden.
Cicero wins on peace and community. If you want a quieter, slower pace with a strong support system, Cicero is ideal. However, the high property taxes can be a major strain on a fixed income, and the winters are punishing for seniors.

Final Pros & Cons Breakdown

Philadelphia: The Gritty Metropolis

Pros:

Affordable Entry: Lower median home price than Cicero.
Unmatched Culture: World-class food, history, art, and sports.
Walkability: Many neighborhoods are pedestrian-friendly.
Public Transit: Extensive (though imperfect) system connects the city.

Cons:

High Taxes: The 3.7875% local wage tax is a massive financial hit.
Crime: Statistically high violent crime rates.
Traffic & Aging Infrastructure: Commutes can be frustrating.
Weather: Hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters.

Cicero: The Suburban Anchor